Quarterfinal race intensifies

Their backs are also against the wall so we’re expecting their best. And that is exactly what we are preparing for.

Alaska and Phoenix face off in a crucial encounter while NLEX tries to solidify its hold of the top spot in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Aces and the Fuel Masters clash in the main game at 7 p.m. as both teams try to secure a win that will put them in contention for one of the two remaining quarterfinal seats.

Meanwhile, the Road Warriors, who already secured the twice-to-beat advantage in the next round following a dramatic 86-85 come-from-behind win over Rain or Shine, shoot for their ninth straight win against the 3-6 NorthPort in the opener at 4:30 p.m.

Alaska stays alive in the hunt for the quarterfinal slot after sinking Batang Pier, 106-99, behind the double-double game from Franko House and Vic Manuel.

House ran wild with 23 points and 11 rebounds while Manuel delivered 23 markers and 10 pulls.

“I honestly feel that we will see only Phoenix’s best. Their backs are also against the wall so we’re expecting their best. And that is exactly what we are preparing for,” Aces coach Jeffrey Cariaso said.

“What I’m proud and happy about the last month is our consistency of intensity and focus during practice. I’m proud to say that I’m very happy with our work ethic everyday. We feel that if we continuously put in the effort, the results will follow.”

Phoenix is in a must-win game as it enters the game with a three-game losing streak, the last one an 81-97 defeat at the hands of Magnolia.

Import Alonzo Gee had 24 points and 13 boards in their loss to the Hotshots and struggled from the field (8-of-27). Matthew Wright added 19 markers in that loss.

“It will be a tough game for sure with the way Alaska has been playing. They’re three of four in their previous games. We need to contain the points that will be coming from the post from House and Manuel. We also need to contain (Jeron) Teng, (Simon) Enciso and (Jvee) Casio,” Fuel Masters head coach Alas said.

“We have to improve because we are very inconsistent. When we played Ginebra, we looked like a high-caliber team but after that we had some injuries. But I’m not using it as an alibi because I told them if someone went down, next man up.”

In the first game, NorthPort faces the streaking NLEX five as it also fights for survival in the season-ending tournament.

The Batang Pier need to sweep their last two assignments to secure at least a playoff for the quarterfinals berth.

Head coach Pido Jarencio needs contribution from local players as Christian Standhardinger is the only one outside import Michael Qualls who has been playing consistently for Batang Pier.